OK, the Japanese don't eat spiders - as a matter of fact, zebra tarantulas, as Haplopelma albostriatum are affectionately known, don't even exist naturally in Japan. But lately, Japanese cuisine is expanding and with several bug-eating countries in the vicinity, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing local products like the Takeo Tokyo Edible Zebra Tarantula. Which, as the name says, contains an actual spider cooked, dehydrated, salted, and ready to eat.
The Takeo Tokyo Edible Zebra Tarantula isn't sushi or tempura, and like most exotic foods, it's an acquired taste. In Thailand, where it comes from, it's eaten fried and sold as street food because it's rich in protein. Takeo Tokyo, which brings it to Japan, suggests the spidery snack works well with ketchup or mayonnaise, so if you are feeling squeamish, you can start that way. Get your protein the old-fashioned way - the really, really old-fashioned way!
The Takeo Tokyo Edible Zebra Tarantula features:
- Ingredients: 1 edible zebra tarantula (Haplopelma albostriatum) spider, salt
- Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humid conditions
- Best consumed within 1 month from production date
- Country of origin: Thailand
- May vary from images
- Not recommended for people with shrimp or shellfish allergies
- Instructions: Japanese